Bonus Billboard albums #1

As a bonus, I'm also going to include entries I've skipped over on the main list given how we've established that internet circles revolve around American pop culture more than anything. I won't include album art here as honestly; I don't want to glorify them on this site due to their failure to connect with us Aussies and kiwis.

Garth Brooks-Ropin the wind #1x18

This is one of two entries from Garth Brooks in this section, he was inescapable in his homeland throughout the 90's due to the love his fellow Americans had for country music.

#79 for 1991 (#38 cash box)

#1 for 1992 (#1 cash box)

#68 for 1993

Garth Brooks-No fences #3

This is the other bonus entry from the country legend on here, don't worry we'll be getting to his one international crossover soon enough.

#2 for 1991

#6 for 1992 (#19 cash box)

#47 for 1993

Journey-Escape #1x1

I've mentioned them plenty of times throughout this site, however it's worth noting that these guys were never popular internationally until "Don't stop believing" (which appears on this album) was covered by Glee in 2009.

Hit singles

Open arms #2

#6 for 1981 (cash box)

#6 for 1982 (#6 cash box)

#34 for 1983

Def Leppard-Pyromania #2

It turns out Def Leppard's entry on this list wasn't their big break in America as this managed to put them on the map over there four years prior to when Hysteria took over the hair metal scene.

#8 for 1983 (#2 cash box)

#31 for 1984 (#80 cash box)

Kid Rock-Devil without a cause #4

For the uninitiated, this is the guy that brought us "All summer long" in 2008 as well as (in my opinion) one of the biggest culture war grifters of the last ten years. A wise man once said, "don't listen to Kid rock." I can't remember who said that, although he has a weird obsession with the Mars Volta if memory serves me.

Hit singles

Cowboy #82

#14 for 1999

#15 for 2000

Nsync-Nsync #2

This was slightly bigger than the boy band's earlier entry on this list, it only made a splash internationally due to the surprise hit of "I want you back" a year after its initial release.

Hit singles

I want you back #13

Tearing up my heart #59 (#15 airplay)

#22 for 1998

#4 for 1999

#93 for 2000

Eagles-Hell freezes over #1x2

This is the live album from the Eagles when hell finally froze over in 1994 to allow them to embark on their reunion tour, had I allowed entries that made the ARIA year end list for the 90's, it would've appeared on the 1995 list. It didn't because though it stuck around on the lower half of the top 100, it wasn't a hit in Australia or NZ.

#4 for 1995 (#5 cash box)

#82 for 1996

Space jam soundtrack #2

The film might've divided critics back in the day, however there's no denying that Space jam was a massive box office hit that's (rightfully) gained critical re-examination in recent years as a fun update of the Looney tunes for 90's audiences. Either way, the soundtrack was inescapable on the Billboard charts due to how many singles there were on it.

Hit singles

I believe I can fly #2 (#9 airplay)

Space jam #37

Fly like an eagle #10 (#12 airplay)

For you I will #4 (#4 airplay)

#4 for 1997

#189 for 1998

Styx-Paradise theatre #1x3

Styx may be considered a one album wonder internationally, however the pseudo prog band had plenty of success in their homeland well into the 80's with this being their best effort on Billboard.

Hit singles

The best of time #3

#6 for 1981 (#2 cash box)

Bell Biv Deveo-Poison #5

This might've made the list had I bothered to expand my NZ lists like I did for my Australian lists on this site. The kiwis passed up the album in favour of the singles as opposed to the trio's fellow American's who balanced out the success of the album with the singles upon their initial release.

Hit singles

Poison #3

Do me #3

BBD #26

#12 for 1990 (#4 cash box)

#33 for 1991

Dr dre-The chronic #3

I just had to mention this hip-hop magnum opus on this list as I know I'll get a bunch of "where's Dr Dre's the Chronic" if I didn't. Despite being one of the most successful albums of the 90's in America, this didn't make a dent on any other charts in the world, hence its official absence from my site.

Hit singles

Nuthin but a g thang #2 (#10 airplay)

Dre day #8

#6 for 1993 (#4 cash box)

Journey-Frontiers #2

For a band that was so inescapable in their homeland, you'd think Steve Perry and company would've at least dented a chart outside of Billboard with one of their albums. Ironically enough, Steve would score a huge worldwide hit with "Oh Sherrie" a year after his band released this.

#12 for 1983 (#7 cash box)

#56 for 1984

Loverboy-Get lucky #7

Get ready to see a bunch of entries from Loverboy on this list because they too had a ton of success on Billboard despite being a borderline one hit wonder internationally. Heck the one entry that will appear on this list officially will appear towards the end to showcase how the love Americans had for these guys grew as the MTV era powered on.

Hit singles

Working for the weekend #29

#35 for 1982 (#5 cash box)

#73 for 1983

Jefferson Starship-Red octopus #1x4

Ever wanted to know why Starship were considered massive sellouts in the 80's? A decade prior, they released their biggest album in their career in their homeland which is more in line with their organic sound, that of course being psychedelia which is a far cry from the hair metal they're best known for internationally.

Hit singles

Miracles #3

#63 for 1975 (#10 cash box)

#16 for 1976

Earth wind and fire-That's the way of the world #1x3

If you were disappointed in the absence of Earth wind and fire throughout my site, then I'm happy to inform you that the legendary RNB and disco band were indeed a huge success in their native America throughout their entire career and not just at the apex of the disco craze.

#2 for 1975 (#3 cash box)

Boston-Third stage #1x4

It took them eight years to follow up their second album Don't look back (which we'll revisit later down the main list) however it was as if no time had passed for Boston as far as their fellow Americans were concerned to the point where this spawned their biggest hit a decade after their magnum opus "More than a feeling" on Billboard.

Hit singles

Amanda #1

#28 for 1986 (cash box)

#17 for 1987

Beastie boys-License to ill #1x7

Here we are with our first omission from the main list that also qualified for my UK list had it been a hit in the southern hemisphere. I guess these guys were a bit too silly for us Aussies and kiwis in a way that clearly wasn't for the Brits and their fellow Americans, however we came around on them eventually in the southern hemisphere.

Hit singles

Fight for your right #7

#3 for 1987 (#5 cash box)

Jay z-Hard knock life 2 #1x5

As far as the rest of the world is concerned, Jay Z was nobody until he started his long (some might say tumultuous) relationship with Beyonce in 2000. Prior to that, he had a huge hit with this album in his homeland, making it the most successful east coast hip hop album from the twentieth century.

Hit singles

Hard knock life #15

#46 for 1998

#15 for 1999

Dixie chicks-Wide open spaces

I apologise for the copout commentary on this entry, I'll quickly comment on it here to make up for that. It's one of many albums on my list that had a slow rise to success in their native America, however once it found its audience, it took forever for it to fall off the Billboard charts.

Tim McGraw-Not a moment too soon #1x2

If you're a fan of Faith Hill, then you'll know this guy as the country diva's wife as he often appears on her videos. If you're American, then you'll know him as one of the most well-respected country artists of all time over there which is largely attributed to how well this one did during the mid 90's on Billboard.

#12 for 1994 (#6 cash box)

#30 for 1995 (#43 cash box)

Stray cats-Built for speed #2

If I were being fair, then I would include this album on the main list as I did for Backstreet boy's self-titled album. The reason why I'm not is unlike that album, this album was released two years after the rockabilly band's debut which was their big success internationally as opposed to the Backstreet boys releasing their American exclusive release in America the same time they released Backstreet's back internationally.

#14 for 1983 (#15 cash box)

Paul Simon-Still crazy after all these years #1x1

This is another album that was a candidate for my UK list, I'm not sure why we Aussies and kiwis turned our backs on Paul Simon after his second solo album from 1973 as he never went away as far as the northern hemisphere is concerned.

Hit singles

50 ways to leave your lover #1

#33 for 1975 (cash box)

#14 for 1976

Stone temple pilots-Core #3

This is another album on the list that was a success more due to its refusal to die on the Billboard charts, it was a success upon its initial release and again when these guys released their second album Purple which we'll get to later down this list.

#10 for 1993 (#10 cash box)

#50 for 1994

Run DMC-Raising hell #3

OK I may have jumped the gun when I said MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice was the American's introduction to hip hop, Run DMC did fairly well in their homeland with their breakthrough album even if it was pitiful compared to what was in store for them internationally over a decade later.

Hit singles

Walk this way #4

#34 for 1986 (#6 cash box)

#27 for 1987

Garth Brooks-The chase #1x7

We're still a way off from looking at the one international hit that this guy had (that being his 1993 effort In pieces) however that doesn't mean we're done digging through the rest of his catalogue as the album he released the year prior was a massive success for him in his homeland.

#21 for 1992

#9 for 1993 (#16 cash box)

Quiet riot-Metal health #1x1

I get the feeling this would've made it on the Australian side of my site had I bothered to disqualify all the compilation albums on AMR's year end list for the 80's like I did for the 90's lists. In any case, we have the first heavy metal album to top the Billboard charts which of course would've made it a shoe in for this list had it found success anywhere else in the world (or if David Kent disqualified compilation albums on his yearend lists.)

Hit singles

Cum on feel the noize #5

#57 for 1983 (#16 cash box)

#25 for 1984 (#35 cash box)

Anita Baker-Giving you the best that I got #1x4

And here we have an artist who I doubt anyone outside of America has even heard of, Anita Baker was a female soul singer of colour who achieved massive success on Billboard throughout the 80's. From what I've heard, she's a poor man's Whitney Houston which is perhaps why she failed to find an international audience.

Hit singles

Giving you the best I got #3

#17 for 1989 (#23 cash box)

Depeche mode-Violator #7

For whatever reason, the Americans couldn't get enough of Depeche mode in 1990 which resulted in their first album of that decade to be a massive success on Billboard. Admittedly I never understood how we Aussies and kiwis passed up on "Enjoy the silence" upon its initial release, however this album also bombed in their native UK which makes it success in America all the more puzzling.

Hit singles

Personal Jesus #13

Enjoy the silence #8

#17 for 1990 (#10 cash box)

R Kelly-12 play #2

Remember when R Kelly wasn't a disgrace to the human race? He has a few other entries for this bonus section of my list; however, his breakthrough was by far his most successful due to it spawning his biggest hit on Billboard "Bump n grind."

Hit singles

Bump n grind #1 (#7 airplay)

Your body's calling #13

#11 for 1994 (#14 cash box)

Commodores-Commodores #3

This actually outranks the entry from the Commodores we looked at on this list, it could've made it on here officially had the kiwis not passed it up in favour of its two mega hits found on here.

Hit singles

Easy #4

Brick house #5

Too hot ta trot #24

#23 for 1977 (#8 cash box)

Snoop Doggy Dogg-Doggystyle #1x3

The kiwis might've chosen the west coast as far as the singles were concerned, however that love clearly didn't extend to the albums as this was a massive failure for Snoop Dogg over there just like it was everywhere outside his native America. Like R Kelly, he was in trouble with the law for most of his career, although unlike R Kelly, he got his name cleared eventually.

Hit singles

What's my name #8

Gin and juice #8

#3 for 1994 (#5 cash box)

Poison-Look what the cat dragged in #3

Before their two entries on this list, Poison was already a massive deal in their native America as their debut album was among the earliest success stories from the hair metal genre. I get the feeling it their backlash solely stems from American enthusiasts due to how big their three albums were over there compared to the rest of the world.

Hit singles

I won't forget you #13

#13 for 1987 (#17 cash box)

#89 for 1988

Go-go's-Beauty and the beat #1x6

With how much I've talked about Belinda Carlisle on this site, it's easy to forget she began her career as the lead singer of the pop punk group the Go-go's who indeed saw massive success in their homeland. It appears we Aussies passed this up in favour of making the lead single one of the biggest hits of the decade on our charts.

Hit singles

Our lips are sealed #20

We got the beat #2

#2 for 1982 (#8 cash box)

Sisqo-Unleash the dragon #2

It's hard to think that an album containing the novelty hit "Thong song" was a success in its own right, however Sisqo did have massive success in his homeland with his group Dru hill prior to releasing that ear worm. That said, he never got himself out of novelty status, hence why no one's heard from him since 2000.

Hit singles

Got to get it #20

Thong song #3 (#1 airplay)

#12 for 2000

Cinderella-Night songs #3

If like me you're confused as to why there's such a pushback against hair metal to this day, I should point out that only the most respectable bands from the genre saw international success back in the day. Cinderella wasn't among the most respected despite their debut album being a massive success in their homeland.

#8 for 1987

Eric Clapton-Slow hand #2

Eric Clapton's another artist from the 70's I'm surprised didn't have more success internationally back in the day, although he was a publicity nightmare throughout that decade which is perhaps what scared us Aussies, kiwis and his fellow Brits off from making him a success. This fear wasn't present in America where this remains his biggest studio album.

Hit singles

Lay down sally #3

Wonderful tonight #16

#10 for 1978 (#8 cash box)

MC Hammer-Too legit to quit #2

Whereas the rest of the world considers this guy a one album wonder, MC Hammer was an unstoppable force as far as his fellow Americans were concerned in the early 90's given how big his second album was. Unfortunately for him, other rappers got jealous of his success concerned that he was watering down hip hop for commercial gain which led to him reinventing himself as a hardcore gangster that didn't pan out for him.

Hit singles

2 legit 2 quit #5

Addams groove #7

Do not pass by me #62

#9 for 1992 (#32 cash box)

Rush-Moving pictures #3

This is another entry that was a candidate for my UK list, how we Aussies and kiwis passed up on Canadian prog band Rush back in the day I'll never know but we did. I guess we were tired of the prog scene by the time the MTV era rolled around.

#18 for 1981 (#11 cash box)

Will Smith-Big willie style #3

This solo debut album from Will Smith was also a candidate for my UK list, although thankfully this was more a case of us Aussies and kiwis simply preferring the singles than the album itself back in the day. It's easy to see why this was a success given how inescapable said singles were worldwide.

Hit singles

Men in black #1 (airplay)

Gettin jiggy with it #1 (#8 airplay)

Just the two of us #20 (#6 airplay)

Miami #17 (#8 airplay)

#8 for 1998

#28 for 1999

DMX-And then there was X #1x1

If you've gone through my site and noticed the absence of hip-hop albums on here, then hopefully this bonus section will rectify that as there's a ton of hip hop that was only big in America and nowhere else. One of the more prolific names in this section is DMX who still has two more entries to come on this list.

#10 for 2000

Chicago-17 #4

As far as the world is concerned, Chicago's final success was in 1982 with their sixteenth self-titled album. This wasn't the case in their homeland as they found success as recently as 1991 with this being the most successful entry of theirs in this section of the list.

Hit singles

Hard habit to break #3

You're the inspiration #3

#62 for 1984 (#42 cash box)

#21 for 1985 (#15 cash box)

Styx-Killroy was here #3

This is probably the album that most are surprised to discover was only a hit in America and nowhere else in the world, admittedly the lead single was among the first memes the internet created given how utterly ridiculous it is even to this day. In case you didn't know, this is the album that spawned DOMO ORIGATO! MR ROBOTO! DOMO! DOMO! DOMO!

Hit singles

Mr Roboto #3

#24 for 1983 (#13 cash box)

Rick James-Street songs #3

Ever wanted to know how Eddie Murphy managed a singing career? Well, this is the guy to thank as Rick James managed to be so much more than the "Super freak" guy among his fellow Americans back in the day with this album. That said, he's a one album wonder as the rest of his catalogue was a complete failure even on Billboard.

Hit singles

Super freak #16

#36 for 1981 (#14 cash box)

#40 for 1982

LL Cool J-Bad bigger and deffer #3

It's easy to forget that LL Cool J was a rapper given how much his acting career has become synonymous with his fame. Eight years prior to his international breakthrough with "Hey lover," he had a massive hit with his second album in his homeland which no doubt ushered in the age of hip hop on Billboard.

Hit singles

I'm bad #84

#51 for 1987 (#9 cash box)

Biggie Smalls-Life after death #1x4

Another east cost hip hop album, this time it's the second and final album from Notorious BIG which came out immediately after he was murdered in the east coast/west coast rivalry. For what it's worth, we won't be seeing an entry from his rival 2pac anytime soon on this list.

Hit singles

Hypnotize #1

Mo money mo problems #1 (#12 airplay)

Sky's the limit #26

#8 for 1997

Keith Sweat-Keith Sweat #5

Honestly, I'm more surprised this bombed internationally for Keith Sweat given how inescapably the two hit singles it spawned was for him worldwide. It wasn't even a close call as while it's failure here in Australia was inevitable, it was also a huge failure for him in NZ where RNB reigned supreme.

Hit singles

Twisted #2 (#7 airplay)

Nobody #3 (#10 airplay)

#32 for 1996

#33 for 1997

En vogue-Funky divas #8

This is another entry that I'm surprised bombed in NZ, not so much Australia as for whatever reason, we Aussies were never interested in this RNB quartet barring their contribution to the Set it off soundtrack. The more I think about it, the more I realise women of colour did better with us Aussies back in the day when it came to albums.

Hit singles

My lovin #2 (#1 airplay)

Giving him something he can feel #6 (#4 airplay)

Free your mind #8 (#14 airplay)

Give it up turn it loose #15 (#12 airplay)

#25 for 1992 (#17 cash box)

#46 for 1993

Boomerang soundtrack #4

It's been a while since I've seen Boomerang, however I don't remember it being among Eddie Murphy's better films as if memory serves me, it's him being a ladies' man without any wit or subtilty to it. Despite that, it was a massive box office success, and its soundtrack spawned one of the biggest hits of all time with its theme song.

Hit singles

Give u my heart #29

End of the road #1 (#1 airplay)

I'd die without you #3 (#1 airplay)

#39 for 1992 (#23 cash box)

#66 for 1993 (#50 cash box)

Willie Nelson-Always on my mind #2

It's strange that we've yet to come across an album from Kenny Rogers on this list given how I always thought he was the king of country music as far as his fellow Americans were concerned. Here we are with Willie Nelson's biggest only success in his homeland as for whatever reason, his big international hit Stardust from 1978 was a complete dud on the Billboard charts.

Hit singles

Always on my mind #5

#26 for 1982 (#7 cash box)

#27 for 1983

SWV-It's about time #8

There's that theory of mine about women of colour being at a disadvantage in NZ again when it comes to their albums, despite scoring a string of massive hits over there, this was only a minor hit at best for SWV as opposed to it being a major hit for them on Billboard. Hey at least they scored a worldwide hit with a remix of "Right here."

Hit singles

I'm so into you #6 (#6 airplay)

Weak #1 (#2 airplay)

Right here #2 (#5 airplay)

You're always on my mind #54

Anything #18

#16 for 1993 (#15 cash box)

John Michael Montgomery-John Michael Montgomery #5

I seriously can't overstate just how inescapable country music was in America throughout the 90's, this is one of two entries from John Michael Montgomery in this section and one that seemingly refused to die on the Billboard charts for the longest time.

#27 for 1995 (#14 cash box)

#117 for 1996

Patti LaBelle-Winner in you #1x1

If you're wondering how on earth Patti Labelle of all people managed to score an entry on this list, I should point out that this is the album which has her Billboard chart topper with Michael McDonald as its lead single. As for how on earth that happened, I'm guessing because of how well received her theme to Beverly Hills cop was back in the day.

Hit singles

On my own #1

Oh people #29

#32 for 1986 (#19 cash box)

Gloria Estefan-Let it loose #6

This was another entry in this bonus section that was a candidate for my UK list, it's the final album from Miami sound machine while technically being the first from Gloria Estefan given how it was credited as a duet album for some reason. Her next album was her first true solo album which we'll get to in a bit.

Hit singles

Rhythm is gonna get you #5

Betcha say that #36

Anything for you #1

123 #3

#88 for 1987

#13 for 1988 (#17 cash box)

Starship-Knee deep in the hoopala #7

Even though it spawned two Billboard chart toppers, this comeback album from Starship wasn't the most popular in their catalogue in their homeland given how we've already looked at that album earlier on this bonus list of mine. Still the fact this was a massive dud internationally despite how big the singles were should let you know that these guys were considered a singles band.

Hit singles

We built this city #1

Sara #1

#13 for 1986 (#25 cash box)

Above the rim soundtrack #2

From what I can gather, Above the rim received mixed reviews back in the day as people praised Tupac Shakur's performance in an otherwise boring and predictable basketball film. If there was any chance of it being a cultural phenomenon, it would be through the soundtrack which it wound up being due to it spawning one of the biggest hits of the decade with its theme song.

Hit singles

Regulate #2 (#15 airplay)

#31 for 1994 (#12 cash box)

Urban cowboy soundtrack #3

One of the more popular films at the start of the 80's was Urban cowboy, a film which from what I can gather is a western version of Saturday night fever (I haven't seen it and honestly don't plan on doing so any time soon.) It remains a critical darling to this day, and it's also been cited as gateway towards country music which perhaps explains the genres revival in the early 80's on Billboard.

Hit singles

Look what you've done to me #14

Could I have this dance #33

#61 for 1980 (#8 cash box)

Hall and Oates-Big bam boom #5

If I were to fill up my 80's lists with entries that didn't consist of compilation albums, I'd probably be able to squeeze this album from Hall and Oates onto my 1985 list given how it spawned their final international hit with its lead single. This is the final entry from the duo on this list even though they've had hits before and after these albums.

Hit singles

Out of touch #1

#33 for 1984 (cash box)

#17 for 1985 (#35 cash box)

Bad company-Desolation angels #3

This is the second most popular album from Bad company in America, the biggest was their debut from 1974 which I might include if I ever decide to revamp this list to include early 70's albums. It's curious to think that this was a big success in America when it bombed in Australia and the UK for the supergroup.

#29 for 1979 (#12 cash box)

Garth Brooks-Beyond the season #2

And we're still featuring albums from Garth Brooks on this list, there really was no stopping this guy when it came to dominating the American charts throughout the 90's was there? This isn't his final entry either, so stay tuned for more of his brand of neo country as we go further down this list.

#61 for 1992 (#36 cash box)

#72 for 1993

Blackstreet-Another level #3

This is another album you'd swear was a shoe in for the NZ side of my site, again it appears the kiwis weren't only interested in the singles Blackstreet had to offer as opposed to making them a household name where it counted. The fact this was a massive success in their homeland should tell you how much potential there was for them being the real deal internationally.

Hit singles

No diggity #1 (#9 airplay)

Don't leave me #12 (airplay)

Fix #58

#87 for 1996

#16 for 1997

Jefferson Starship-Spitfire #3

We have another entry from Starship on this list, this time it's their second appearance as Jefferson Starship with their follow up to their top entry on this list. This goes to show how much of a roll these guys were on as they really seemed to play into the sci fi craze of the 70's which boosted their popularity among their fellow Americans.

#88 for 1976 (#18 cash box)

Earth wind and fire-Gratitude #1x3

We have our first live album on the list, or it would be had it been a hit anywhere in the world outside of America for Earth wind and fire back in the day. This comes immediately after their top entry on this list, meaning they were on fire during the midpoint of the 70's as far as their fellow Americans were concerned.

#10 for 1976 (#7 cash box)

Peaches and Herb-2 hot #2

Given how popular disco was throughout the world in the late 70's, it's a bit surprising to see that this duo failed to have their album be a success internationally despite how big its singles were. This is all the more bizarre when you consider that said album was a massive success on Billboard over the dozens of disco albums that were an international success.

Hit singles

Shake your groove thing #5

Reunited #1

We've got love #44

#17 for 1979 (#11 cash box)

Motley Crue-Girls girls girls #2

Ever wondered why Motley Crue is despised in certain internet circles despite only having one album most non-Americans are familiar with? It turns out they were one of the forerunners of the hair metal craze of the late 80's given how this was almost as inescapable in their homeland as their earlier entry on this list was. Again, it's an example of misplaced hate nostalgia rather than objective awfulness for the album.

Hit singles

Girls girls girls #12

#46 for 1987 (#13 cash box)

Dan Fogelberg-Phoenix #3

OK here's an artist I haven't heard of prior to constructing this list. From what I can gather, Dan Fogelberg was a soft rocker who scored a massive success in his homeland with this album that failed to put a dent on any other chart across the world. He has another entry to come in this section, however these two albums are the full extent of his popularity on Billboard.

Hit singles

Longer #2

#15 for 1980 (#15 cash box)

Bonnie Raitt-Nick of time #1x3

She may be a one album wonder in NZ (which is still better than what she achieved here in Australia) however Bonnie Raitt was a national treasure in her homeland throughout the 90's beginning with this album she released just as the 80's were coming to an end. Obviously, the best was still to come, however this was a big breakthrough following a decade of failure.

#55 for 1989

#16 for 1990 (#20 cash box)

Donna Summer-Live and more #1x1

It turns out Donna Summer has a third entry for this list after all, if you can believe it, this was the album which put her on the map on Billboard as she was seen as a novelty artist in her homeland with "Love to love you baby" prior to its release. It did spawn her first Billboard chart topper despite it being a live album, naturally leading to a string of chart toppers on her next album.

Hit singles

Macarthur park #1

Heaven knows #4

#29 for 1978 (cash box)

#6 for 1979 (#31 cash box)

Billy Squier-Emotions in motion #5

In a bit of a bizarre twist, we have an album from Billy Squier on this list that neither has his big hit "The stroke" nor the song that killed his career "Rock me tonite." This is the album sandwiched between those two releases which proved to be a massive hit for the new wave rocker in his homeland even if the rest of the world didn't see what the big fuss was about it.

#18 for 1982 (cash box)

#49 for 1983 (#81 cash box)

Pat Benatar-Get nervous #4

This was a near miss for the Australian side of my site, as such I didn't grant it mercy on here like I have for some other albums that did make the cut. It was another successful album from Pat Benatar in her homeland due to how much of a roll she was on during the height of the MTV era.

Hit singles

Shadows of the night #13

#62 for 1982 (cash box)

#16 for 1983 (#17 cash box)

Cinderella-Long cold winter #10

Peak positions, they seem important until you realise that an albums longevity on the charts is just as important as how high they got on them. This is the case for Cinderella as despite barely cracking the Billboard top ten, still would've appeared high on this list had it been a success anywhere outside of their native America.

#54 for 1988 (#22 cash box)

#27 for 1989

Warren G-Regulate G funk era #2

Given how he was arguably the single reason why the Above the rim soundtrack did so well on Billboard, it would've been criminal had Warren G not seen massive success with his debut album in his homeland given how well the singles did internationally. Again, I have to question the kiwi's logic for how they determined which albums were big over there throughout the 90's as at least we Aussies largely ignored this album's singles.

Hit singles

Regulate #2 (#15 airplay)

This DJ #9

Do you see #42

#32 for 1994 (#11 cash box)

#108 for 1995

Blues brothers-Briefcase full of blues #1x1

If you can believe it, the Blues brothers were in fact a real band (more specifically a duo) as they had a chart topping album on Billboard prior to the release of their (in my opinion) masterpiece of a film they made. It was a bittersweet success as John Belushi was famously into drugs which ultimately claimed his life in 1982.

#43 for 1979 (#16 cash box)

Kansas-Point of know return #4

From what I can gather, Kansas is an America band who scored a massive hit with the lead single to this album on Billboard before finding into obscurity by the end of the 70's. They're a one hit wonder with this single according to Billboard, however that didn't prevent the album that spawned it from being one of the most successful of its time.

Hit singles

Dust in the wind #6

#9 for 1978 (#7 cash box)

Alan Jackson-The greatest hits collection #5

Oh Look, another successful country album that failed to find any success internationally, this time it's from Alan Jackson who took the Billboard charts by storm with this greatest hits album likely due to how much country had dominated the Billboard charts throughout that decade.

#183 for 1995

#15 for 1996

#128 for 1997

John Cougar Mellencamp-Uh huh #9

This often gets lost in the shuffle when it comes to John Cougar's discography, I'm guessing it's because it's sandwiched between his breakthrough American fool and his most successful Scarecrow whilst also failing to spawn a giant hit on Billboard like those albums did.

Hit singles

Crumblin down #9

#61 for 1983 (cash box)

#19 for 1984 (#20 cash box)

Eryka Badu-Baduizm #2

I've heard the name Eryka Badu over the years, however it's only now that I'm making this list that I know she's a neo soul singer similar to that of Sza from twenty years after this became a hit for her. This was a massive success on Billboard during the late 90's, although no one else in the world seemed to be impressed with this album.

Hit singles

On and on #12

#20 for 1997

Doobie brothers-What were once vices are now habits #4

This is one of the oldest albums on this list, so much so that there's a possibility it could've been a success in NZ as it looked like it was on its way out of the charts and that the singles did chart on the Listener charts for the band. It wasn't their first album to find success on Billboard, however it was the one that put them on the map internationally.

Hit singles

Black water #1

#37 for 1975

Isley brothers-The heat is on #1x1

If you felt that my 70's lists on this site were too white, hopefully this list will correct that as there's a ton of funk and soul from that decade that was a hit in America and nowhere else in the world. One of the biggest coming from the Isley brothers who saw massive success during the midpoint of that decade with this gem.

#44 for 1975 (#17 cash box)

Scorpions-Love at first sting #6

These guys are best known for their 1991 hit "Wind of change" as it's the only hit they achieved outside their native Germany; however, they managed to score a massive hit on the Billboard charts with this album seven years prior which makes their absence on the Billboard singles charts all the more confusing.

#29 for 1984 (#21 cash box)

2pac-Me against the world #1x4

Given how we looked at the two albums that 2pac had international success with on the main list, it only seems fitting that we'd look at the album which put him on the global map given how this was his most successful candidate for this list. Despite this spawning a hit for him in NZ, the album didn't chart anywhere else in the world for the rapper.

Hit singles

Dear mama #9

#34 for 1995 (#15 cash box)

Chumbawamba-Tubthumper #3

In case you were wondering, this wasn't a candidate for my UK list, meaning this was only a success in America for Chumbawamba likely due to how inescapable the lead single was worldwide. It's another example of an album from a one hit wonder being among the most successful in America throughout the twentieth century.

Hit singles

Tubthumping #6 (#1 airplay)

#150 for 1997

#17 for 1998

Papa roach-Infest #5

Ever wondered how many contemporaries there were to Limp bizkit and Linkin Park in the nu metal genre? Lots it turns out as the genre was to the early 00's what hair metal was to the late 80's on Billboard. Papa roach was just one of many contemporaries who managed to make it on this list with one of the more recent albums that was a candidate.

#27 for 2000

#116 for 2001

Garth Brooks-Sevens #1x5

Oh look, another entry from Garth Brooks in this bonus list, this is his most recent studio album to appear on here even though his success on Billboard carried over well into the 21st century.

#3 for 1998

Earth wind and fire-Raise #5

If you've read my overview for the biggest hit singles on Billboard, you'll know that I brought up plenty of evidence to counter the fact that the disco backlash was little more than a bunch of haters letting out their frustration of how overblown the genre had gotten by the end of the 70's. An example of an 80's disco album is this entry form Earth wind and fire this was released around the time MTV launched.

Hit singles

Let's groove #3

#22 for 1981 (cash box)

#67 for 1982 (#47 cash box)

Styx-The grand illusion #6

With how much Styx gets talked about in circles discussing overrated bands from the twentieth century, you'd think they'd have a catalogue that spans as long as the likes of Chicago or Maroon 5. It turns out their time in the spotlight, while phenomenal in their native America, only lasted about a decade with this being the first successful album to their name.

Hit singles

Fooling yourself #29

#98 for 1977 (cash box)

#7 for 1978 (#17 cash box)

Common thread the songs of the Eagles #3

Throughout the 90's, there were a ton of tribute albums to older bands and artists from the Beatles to Fleetwood Mac. The most successful of the bunch on Billboard was this one for the Eagles which likely connected with American audiences due to it having an array of country stars reinterpret the band's work for (then) modern audiences.

#25 for 1994 (#41 cash box)

Linda Ronstadt-Heart like a wheel #1x1

Unlike the Doobie brothers entry from earlier, I don't think this was a success for Linda Ronstadt in NZ, meaning that this was only a hit for her on Billboard despite the lead single being a massive worldwide hit for her back in the day. Indeed, it was her only chart topper in America even though it was far from her biggest hit internationally.

Hit singles

You're no good #1

#54 for 1975 (#19 cash box)

Survivor-Eye of the tiger #2

It appears the world was only interested in the title track from this breakthrough album from Survivor given how it also serves as the theme song to Rocky III which was a huge critical and commercial success when it came out. As for their fellow Americans, it was their only successful album but a starting point for a string of minor hits throughout the 80's on Billboard.

Hit singles

Eye of the tiger #1

#78 for 1982 (#23 cash box)

Kenny G-Silhouette #8

There was no stopping Kenny G in his homeland given how this was a hit shortly after the success of his breakthrough album Duotones on the Billboard charts. As this was a huge failure for him internationally, it meant he had to wait until his 1992 effort Breathless to take the world by storm.

#21 for 1989 (#39 cash box)

Chicago-VIII #1x2

This was the last studio album from Chicago during their pre sellout era, it was a huge hit for them in their homeland even though it failed to dent a chart anywhere else in the world. You can cry sellout all you want; however, their 1976 effort was what cemented them as a household name given its overwhelming worldwide success.

#32 for 1975 (#18 cash box)

Usher-My way #4

Here's another blunder from the kiwis on my list, despite Usher finding massive success with his singles without the assistance of the Brits (him getting to number one in the UK is how he pop up on Australia's radar) this second album from Usher was a complete dud for him over there as opposed to his native America where it was a massive success for him.

Hit singles

You make me wanna #2 (#4 airplay)

Nice and slow #1 (#15 airplay)

My way #2

#164 for 1997

#11 for 1998

Ohio players-Fire #1x1

I'm as shocked as you are that the Ohio players never found success anywhere outside of their native America, I could theorise as to why that is, but I think I'll leave it at their label failing to market them to an international audience. At least they were inescapable in their homeland both with their albums and their singles.

#26 for 1975 (#16 cash box)

Chuck Mangione-Feels so good #2

From what I can gather, Chuck Mangione seems like the predecessor to Kenny G when it comes to smooth jazz for a mainstream audience. He saw massive success with this album and even sparked some curiosity among us Aussies and kiwis as the title track did chart in the southern hemisphere.

Hit singles

Feels so good #4

#6 for 1978 (#21 cash box)

Marin Gaye-Live at the London palladium #3

It's a bit surprising that Marvin Gaye hasn't appeared earlier on this list given how inescapable he was throughout the 70's in his native America, this was the best he could do on Billboard which is interesting as it's a live show from the UK which curiously bombed on the UK charts.

Hit singles

Got to give it up #1

#45 for 1977 (#20 cash box)

Jefferson starship-Earth #5

We have one final entry from Jefferson Starship on this list, this time it's their third album they released under this name given how they were on a roll from their two earlier entries on this list in their homeland. Again, there was no crossover appeal for the band which explains why they didn't appear on the Australian or NZ side of this site.

Hit singles

Count on me #9

#23 for 1978 (#23 cash box)

Rick Springfield-Success hasn't spoilt me yet #2

Well, this is awkward, mainly because Rick Springfield never saw any success with his albums here in Australia despite being, you know AUSTRALIAN. Admittedly he was based in America by this point of his career due to his role in the soap opera General hospital, however aside from the odd hit or two, he didn't find much success in his music career here in Australia like he did in America.

Hit singles

Don't talk to strangers #2

#35 for 1982 (#16 cash box)

Ratt-Out of the cellar #7

OK full disclosure, I had no idea what the big fuss was against hair metal prior to me construction this list. Upon coming across this umpteenth album from the genre, I think I'm beginning to see why there's so much backlash towards the likes of Poison and pre sellout Bon Jovi on the internet. I haven't heard any talk about Ratt on the internet and yet they supposedly have one of the biggest albums of the 80's in America.

#41 for 1984 (#19 cash box)

Steve Martin-A wild and crazy guy #2

Thought that it was weird that the 12th man and other Australian comedians could find success with comedy routines in the southern hemisphere? Well, they were simply taking a page out of SNL cast members as we have our first comedy routine for this list courtesy of Steve Martin. This was the album he released right before his feature film debut the Jerk which both made him a household in Hollywood.

#55 for 1978 (cash box)

#53 for 1979 (#29 cash box)

Sade-Lovers rock #3

I told you that Sade's most recent entry on the main list wasn't their most recent success on Billboard, granted it took them eight years to follow up Love deluxe with this album which more than explains why the rest of the world seemed to not acknowledge its existence, however the Americans certainly did and made it a smashing success for the British band.

#14 for 2001

Billboard albums IV

Seeing as though I've covered the most popular albums of the twentieth century in the UK a while back, it only seems fitting to do the same for the most popular albums of the twentieth century on Billboard which should complete my run for overlooking the most popular music of all time in the English-speaking side of the world. Again, I'm only including albums on here that were a success in Australia and/or NZ to avoid making a fool of myself talking about successful albums in America that I've never heard of.

This is the final entry from Fleetwood mac on this list, normally it would be the second entry on a list given how well received this was throughout the rest of the world. For the most part it was well received in America, however there's a noticeable drop in popularity compared to its international release, suggesting the Americans weren't that impressed with it back in the day.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Big love #5

Seven wonders #19

Little lies #4

Everywhere #14

#40 for 1987 (#7 cash box)

#49 for 1988

It's a bit surprising to see that this album makes the cut due to its success here in Australia given how we Aussies weren't that big into RNB back in the day (or now for that matter.) It took off here due to the success of "Have you ever" which confirmed Brandy as the hot new star she was in her homeland throughout the 90's. At the very least, her singles were inescapable in NZ even if her albums weren't.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

The boy is mine #1 (#2 airplay)

Have you ever #1 (#1 airplay)

Almost doesn't count #16 (#7 airplay)

#29 for 1998

#26 for 1999

This was another entry on the Australian side of my site that only made it on there due to my insistence in including every album that appeared on a yearend list back in the day, this is fortunate as I'm able to include this entry from Mr Mister on this list like I did for the UK list to show just how inescapable the American band was on both sides of the Atlantic.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Broken wings #1

Kyrie #1

#7 for 1986 (#14 cash box)

As Led zeppelin were a hard rock band, they naturally saw more success in America than they did in their homeland even though they were a non-American band finding success on Billboard. I think this goes to show just how much their fellow Brits weren't into rock and roll over the years if they can find more success internationally than with the endorsement of TOTP.

Peak position #1x6

#10 for 1975 (#12 cash box)

This is another entry on both this and my UK list that only qualified due to me including all the sleeper hits here in Australia from back in the day, I guess we Aussies and kiwis saw these guys as a bit of a novelty with the lead single to this album which wasn't the case for the Brits and their fellow Americans. They had some success with their next album in their homeland before they became yesterdays' news.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Le freak #1

I want your love #7

#30 for 1979 (#20 cash box)

We have our second live album on this list following the appearance of Cheap trick's live album from Budokan, this time it's from Fleetwood mac who may have been has-beens as far as new music was concerned by the late 90's but were nonetheless able to put on a good show which was reflected by this album's success worldwide.

Peak position #1x1

#36 for 1997

#32 for 1998

Much like in NZ, this was only a minor success in ZZ top's homeland given how the band had little to no success prior to its release. It was given a major boost in popularity when it crossed over to the UK of all places which allowed the rest of the world to check out what all the fuss was about. They found success going into the 90's, however they only have one more entry on the main list.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Legs #8

#31 for 1983 (#43 cash box)

#7 for 1984 (#17 cash box)

#65 for 1985

We're finally picking up steam when it comes to live albums on this list, this one comes to us from Bruce Springsteen fresh off his Born in the USA world tour which showcases how great he is in front of a live audience. For all the success he achieved throughout the 70's and 80's, his decline in popularity is something to behold.

Peak position #1x7

Hit singles

War #8

#43 for 1987

Given how the lead single was a worldwide success regardless of where in the world you're from, it was inevitable that this album from Foreigner would be a huge success in their homeland as it was internationally. They did see sound success with their next album as that spawned a few hits for them, however it was too sound for it to be a candidate for this list.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

I want to know what love is #1

#20 for 1985 (#14 cash box)

This was just as big of a surprise hit for Linda Ronstadt in her native America as it was internationally given how she hadn't touched a chart anywhere in the world since her previous entry from 1983 on this list. I guess people could relate to the themes of the album seeing as though it does suck growing old, however it did little to retain her audience moving into the 90's.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Don't know much #2

#14 for 1990 (#18 cash box)

If only we Aussies and kiwis made the debut album from the Beastie boys a success in the southern hemisphere, then they'd had more than one entry on this list and my UK list as the hip hop trio did remarkably well in both countries back in the day. We'll have to settle for this entry from eleven years later which put the boys back on the map after a decade of total silence in the mainstream.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

Intergalactic #28

#13 for 1998

#104 for 1999

I had a theme for my early 90's lists that the 80's may have been over officially but it kept going on in spirit, this was definitely the case in America where hair metal and arena rock reigned supreme on Billboard until the grunge movement exploded in 1992 (right when Neil scan began calculating the Billboard charts conveniently enough.) This is why Van Halen is so high up on this list with this entry.

Peak position #1x3

#37 for 1991 (#12 cash box)

#75 for 1992

Unlike the rest of the world where these guys are a one hit wonder with "A horse with no name," they were a huge deal in America which makes sense why this greatest hits album was a success on Billboard during the midpoint of the 70's. For everyone else, this feels more like a gateway to the catalogue they passed up much like the Eagles entry from earlier.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Lonely people #5

#9 for 1976 (#5 cash box)

Even though this was barely a hit here in Australia for Yes, at least it was a genuine hit for them in America to the point where it spawned a Billboard chart topper for the British band. I'm not sure why the rest of the world largely rejected this album other than maybe everyone crying sellout given how this was one of the more well-respected prog bands of the 70's.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Owner of a lonely heart #1

#91 for 1983 (cash box)

#21 for 1984 (#15 cash box)

Of the three solo albums that Robert Plant found success with, I wasn't expecting this one to be his biggest in America even taking into account Americans appreciation of how the late 80's was all about older artists trying (and in many ways failing) to adapt with the times. I guess this trend explains why there's detractors' of 80's music as a construct as there's a very "how do you do fellow kids" feel to a lot of these albums.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Tall cool one #25

#20 for 1988 (#18 cash box)

I'm guessing Linda Ronstadt had her finger on the pulse when it comes to international trends as she made what I'm sure felt like a controversial move from her fellow Americans by pivoting to new wave on this album. The gambit paid off given how successful this was in her homeland as well as here in Australia, although she didn't remain in the genre as she pivoted to standards for her next album.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

How do I make you #10

#27 for 1980 (#13 cash box)

I wasn't expecting this album to be a success on the Billboard charts, certainly not above Stars on 45 which won't be appearing this list for quite some time. This is all the more surprising when you consider the fact there isn't a lot of classical music on this list like there is on the Australian, NZ and UK lists on this site.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Hooked on classics #10

#13 for 1982 (#15 cash box)

You know the drill by now, this is a rock album from the 90's which supposedly was only a success on Billboard because their label didn't release any singles in America, this is despite the fact the album did just as well (if not better) internationally which did allow the album to have singles released. Soundgarden is just another band that should've done gangbusters with their singles on Billboard.

Peak position #1x1

#19 for 1994 (#4 cash box)

#88 for 1995

Well at least Metallica was able to have their songs chart on Billboard due to their label releasing them as singles, it didn't seem to affect the album one way or another given how the songs bombed on Billboard, however I feel this goes to show that American audiences of the 90's didn't allow single sales to affect their love of the album.

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Until it sleeps #10

Hero of the day #60

#14 for 1996

#56 for 1997

I'm a bit surprised we haven't seen more of Barbra Streisand's 70's output on this list yet (we'll get to it eventually) however at least her second greatest hits album was just as popular in her homeland as it was internationally given how inescapable she was as a musician and an actress. This album seemed to have activated the greatest hits curse not on her singing career but rather her acting career as her movie output slowed down after this.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

You don't bring me flowers #1

#28 for 1979 (#21 cash box)

Given how this is Steve Miller's biggest album internationally, it makes sense that it would be a huge hit for him in his homeland even if it didn't surpass the success it achieved worldwide on Billboard. I guess it was a mixed blessing that he adapted with the MTV era with this album, good enough to be a success but not good enough to be considered a classic like his earlier entry.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Abracadabra #1

#77 for 1982 (#17 cash box)

There were no signs of Jackson Browne slowing down moving into the 80's in his homeland, in fact this is his best charting album here in Australia which suggests we Aussies were finally seeing what all the fuss was about with this guy when it first dropped. There are still two more entries to come from this guy to give you an idea of how well he did in both countries.

Peak position #1x1

#12 for 1980 (cash box)

I'm less surprised that this was a massive hit in America so much as I am that this underperformed here in Australia, again this only made it on the Australian side of my site due to my insistence of filling up each list with 100 entries, however I can't understand just how uninterested we Aussies were with Livie's albums until her acting breakthrough with Grease.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

I honestly love you #1

Have you ever been mellow #1

Please Mr please #3

#13 for 1975 (#4 cash box)

Given how popular both Nirvana and MTV unplugged was throughout the world in the 90's, it only makes sense that the band's presence on the program would be a massive success in their homeland even if it was for sentimental value as this was the first release from their label following Kurt's tragic death.

Peak position #1x1

#13 for 1995 (#19 cash box)

It's not that surprising that this wasn't as popular in America as it was in the UK given how Paul Simon's comeback period was more popular with the Brits than it was with his fellow Americans. Just like everywhere else in the world, this was the last original album that Paul found success with in his homeland.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

The obvious child #92

#22 for 1991 (#42 cash box)

It's tough to determine how successful this breakthrough album from Janis Ian would be here in Australia had Countdown not pushed aside American artists in favour of local talent throughout the 70's. I'd say odds are good as her biggest success here was when she did appear on Countdown in 1980, suggesting there was always an audience for her down under.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

At seventeen #3

#12 for 1975 (#43 cash box)

It turns out this album's success from Barry Manilow was late over in NZ by a full year, I guess the kiwis needed some convincing in handing Barry success as he was a one hit wonder over there prior to this albums release with "Mandy." This wasn't an issue in his native America given how he was one of the biggest names in music throughout the 70's on Billboard.

Peak position #1x1

#49 for 1977 (#24 cash box)

#35 for 1978

There was so much chaos on the charts in the mid 80's that it's somewhat of a miracle this managed to make the cut for my 1985 list, it's easy to see the appeal here as it's essentially a Duran Duran album if you swapped out Simon Le Bon for Robert Palmer as the lead vocalist. This was a bargain deal for the Americans to the point where it boosted Palmer's popularity on Billboard following its success.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Some like it hot #6

Get it on #9

#31 for 1985 (#18 cash box)

Although this album has a fairly low peak position, it's refusal to drop out of the Billboard charts for the longest time ensured it would have a high placement on this list for Sting. He was certainly on a roll when he released this album even if the success of his singles was beginning to dry up globally, I guess that's a small price to pay for thriving throughout the 90's.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

We'll be together #7

#42 for 1987 (cash box)

#24 for 1988 (#20 cash box)

I wasn't expecting to feature this album before Sade's debut album on this list, however this is where we're at given how they saw a massive comeback in the early 90's throughout the world (except their homeland funnily enough.) If you can believe it, this isn't the most recent success they had in America as their next album was also a massive hit for them on Billboard.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

No ordinary love #28

Kiss of life #78

#12 for 1993 (#11 cash box)

Looking at how well they did in America compared to the rest of the world, I'm a bit surprised that the Cars were so successful in Australia and NZ given how this album's success on Billboard would suggest they would struggle to appeal to us Aussies and kiwis. Admittedly it was the kiwis who made their debut a household name, so perhaps we Aussies were following their suit more than anything.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Let's go #14

#82 for 1979 (#9 cash box)

#32 for 1980

Given how we've looked at two albums from Steve Miller on this list, it's a bit surprising that this was his big success here in Australia as it was the weakest of his three entries in his homeland. I guess this was a success here in Australia as penance for us Aussies ignoring his top entry on this list, however I can't think of how we made an exception for him over his 70's contemporaries.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Jet airliner #8

#44 for 1977 (#17 cash box)

#74 for 1978

I'm a bit surprised this wasn't even bigger in America given how much international success it achieved for Joan Jett and company, although I guess you can argue the bulk of its success came from the title track which broke down barriers back in the day due to radio stations not knowing how to categorise it (ah the days where rock had its own separate fanbases depending on the sub-genre.)

Peak position #2

Hit singles

I love rock and roll #1

Crimson and clover #7

#22 for 1982 (#10 cash box)

I told you Sting was still at the peak of his popularity by the 90's in America, in fact this was arguably bigger on Billboard than anywhere else in the world even if the singles didn't light up their singles chart (then again what did.) This isn't the last entry from Sting as he had other success throughout the 90's worldwide.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

If I ever lose my faith in you #17

Fields of gold #23

#21 for 1993 (#9 cash box)

The Bee gees success in America was about the same as it was throughout the rest of the world in the 70's, this means that their greatest hits album they released when the decade ended was bound to be a success on Billboard which of course activated the greatest hits curse where a band or artist would suffer commercial failure upon said albums release.

Peak position #1x1

#62 for 1979 (cash box)

#33 for 1980 (#54 cash box)

Whereas this was an outlier to for Eric Clapton in NZ and his native UK, this albums success was a surefire thing on Billboard where there wasn't an unwritten rule to prevent him from finding success in the mainstream like there seemed to be on those two countries. Still at least this was a success on those countries as opposed to here in Australia where it was a massive bomb.

Peak position #2

#47 for 1980 (#19 cash box)

We haven't seen a Billy Joel entry on this list for a while, have we? Here we are with an album that often gets overlooked in his catalogue due to being sandwiched between two entries we've looked at from earlier on this list. It won't be too much longer before we've looked at every eligible album from the American piano man on this list.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Pressure #20

Allentown #17

#35 for 1982 (cash box)

#33 for 1983 (#31 cash box)

Of all the entries from the 90's to not release songs as singles in America, I wasn't expecting a soundtrack to be among them and yet here we are with the soundtrack to Romeo + Juliet which joins the likes of the Fugees and Pearl jam as a successful album that had no charting singles on Billboard from that decade. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, was denying it singles success really necessary?

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Lovefool #2 (airplay)

#12 for 1997

Even though they wound up having more success in their native UK than they did in America, it's worth noting that Dire straits originally found their success on Billboard with their debut album before their fellow Brits realised what they were missing out on and made it a hit. Of course, its success in both countries pale in comparison to what it achieved in Australia and NZ back in the day.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Sultans of swing #4

#23 for 1979 (#15 cash box)

Oh Beaches, you're a movie the internet loves to hate because you had the audacity to make even the most hardened souls cry during your climax. Naturally the film was a box office success despite initial negative reviews that unfavourably compared it to a 40's soap opera, however audiences were able to look past these reviews and made it and the soundtrack a (in my opinion) well deserved success.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Wind beneath my wings #1

#14 for 1989 (#13 cash box)

#74 for 1990

Although they managed to find success in their native America with their singles, it appears that Blondie was more well known for said singles as their albums didn't do as well on Billboard as they did internationally. This was the most successful of said albums, likely because it spawned not one but two chart toppers for them as well as their most well-known singles in internet circles.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

The tide is high #1

Rapture #1

#28 for 1981 (#19 cash box)

Even though this album allowed the songs to be singles in America, said singles massively underperformed on Billboard and yet the album was still a massive success for Cypress hill upon its release. It was so successful that it even found crossover success here in Australia where hip hop at the time was about as welcome as K pop on the Billboard charts pre BTS.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Insane in the brain #19

I ain't going out like that #65

#33 for 1993 (#25 cash box)

#98 for 1994

I'm as surprised as you are that this didn't make it on my UK list, it had the potential as it did chart high on the UK charts for the Clash, however it appears their fellow Brits weren't too impressed with this album from the punk band. This did way better in NZ and America of all places, likely due to how big the lead single was in both countries which makes its failure here in Australia all the more puzzling.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Rock the casbah #8

#70 for 1982 (#94 cash box)

#30 for 1983 (#42 cash box)

Given how this began the trend of releasing a soundtrack to an artist's performance on MTV unplugged, it's reasonable that this wasn't the biggest thing in the world for Mariah Carey on Billboard even if it found massive worldwide audience for her. Think of it as a proof of concept that gave the green light to the other MTV album's we've seen so far on this list.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

I'll be there #1 (#1 airplay)

#35 for 1992 (#16 cash box)

It took us a while, but we've finally come across a studio album from Kenny Rogers which allows me to say that he did indeed find massive success in his homeland just like he did internationally as the 70's became the 80's. This came close to appearing on my UK list as it did crack the UK top ten, however it was too minor a success for that to happen.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

You decorated my life #7

Coward of the county #3

#54 for 1979 (cash box)

#10 for 1980 (#22 cash box)

Following the surprise worldwide success of their previous album, it appears the Americans decided to examine the back catalogue of AC/DC which resulted in their 1976 effort being a massive success on Billboard five years after its initial release. Naturally none of the singles were released over there, a missed opportunity given how they would've fit in perfectly for the times.

Peak position #3

#30 for 1981 (#16 cash box)

Tim Burton's Batman is one of the few cultural phenomena from the twentieth century the internet still allows us to like, making it and its accompanying soundtrack from Prince a rare exception to the rule I've discovered where something inescapably popular in America is now loathed by those who wished the twentieth century had different media become cultural phenomenon's.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

Batdance #1

Partyman #18

The arms of Orion #36

#40 for 1989 (#14 cash box)

It may have only been for a week, however I would've laughed so hard if this album from Wings failed to get to number one in America given that it's a live album they recorded while on tour over there. Honestly that's the only new thing I can come up with for this entry as its success on Billboard is the same as it was globally.

Peak position #1x1

#35 for 1977 (#12 cash box)

Following the success of his live album from the start of this list, Peter Frampton had no issue with finding success in America just like he did in Australia and NZ with this album. In fact, the success he had in all three countries was almost identical to each other as his next album was a complete dud in all of them.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

I'm in you #2

Signed sealed delivered #18

#72 for 1977 (#11 cash box)

If you can believe it, Lenny Kravitz never had that much success with his albums in his homeland over the years, meaning this greatest hits album was the best he could do on Billboard despite how much success he had internationally throughout the 90's. I would say this activated a greatest hits curse over there, except there wasn't much for him to lose as far as his fellow Americans were concerned.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Again #4 (#9 airplay)

#18 for 2001

I really cheated when I included this album on my 1996 list on the Australian side of my site, even so, it appeared on this site prior to me constructing this list which makes it eligible for this list. If anything, else, it's success in America explains why it was barely a success here in Australia for the jazz musician.

Peak position #2

#90 for 1996

#27 for 1997

I'm honestly shocked that these guys were more popular in the UK than they were in their native America, heck they even allowed their label to release songs as singles over there and they still lost out to the Brits where said singles did better on the UK charts. That said, they still had massive success in their homeland, it's just pitiful to what it obviously could've been.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

What's the frequency Kenneth #21

Bang and blame #19

#67 for 1994 (#33 cash box)

#36 for 1995 (#35 cash box)

Given how they had established themselves as rock and roll royalty with their two earlier entries in America, it makes sense that this would go to number one on Billboard for AC/DC even if this would be the last the Americans would hear from them until their other earlier entry on this list nine years later.

Peak position #1x3

#43 for 1982 (#29 cash box)

Given how this was the follow-up to their top entry on this list, it was inevitable that this second album from Boston would be a huge success in their homeland as well as a more immediate success here in Australia. If you can believe it, it took them eight years to follow up this album with their third album in 1986, an album that bombed everywhere except their homeland.

Peak position #1x2

#16 for 1978 (cash box)

#72 for 1979

As far as the Americans are concerned, this was the debut album from Duran Duran as their actual debut was released over there following the success this achieved on Billboard. It's interesting how these guys found success on Billboard given how they hadn't had a chart topper anywhere in the world prior to its release over there, coincidentally with a track made for the US version of their debut album.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Hungry like the wolf #3

#13 for 1983 (#19 cash box)

#78 for 1984

This is another album that's lucky to be on the main list due to its inclusion on this site being out of me filling out each year end list rather than it being a genuine success here in Australia. That said, there's a reason why this lingered on our charts in 1987, it was a huge success for Kenny G due to it spawning a genuine hit single for him on Billboard which puzzles chart historians to this day.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Songbird #4

#15 for 1987 (#10 cash box)

#59 for 1988

Much like in their native UK, this was the biggest success that ELO has in America even if its singles failed to become hits on the Billboard charts like they did on the UK charts. You've likely noticed the lack of non-American artists from the 70's so far on this list, that's because there's an "invasion" whenever a slew of non-Americans flood the Billboard charts be it the 60's or 80's or even 2010's.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Turn to stone #13

Sweet talking woman #17

#18 for 1978 (#30 cash box)

I haven't seen the film adaptation of Tommy, I hear it's really good as it successfully strings together the songs from the Who album it's named after to form a compelling story. The film was a box office success (from what I can gather) which means that there's no reason to dispute why its soundtrack was a worldwide phenomenon including in America.

Peak position #2

#17 for 1975 (#13 cash box)

This was a hit twice for the Bangles in their homeland, the first time was upon its initial release where they almost scored a chart topper with its lead single whilst the second was when the third single became a massive chart topper for the quartet. It's the only place in the world where this happened as it was either a flop initially then a success (such as here in Australia and NZ) or a hit only on its release (like in the UK.)

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Manic Monday #2

If she knew what she wants #29

Walk like an Egyptian #1

Walking down your street #11

#27 for 1986

#25 for 1987

Well, we had the album from monks that made it big in NZ on the UK list, time now for the album that was big here in Australia which also happened to be a huge success in America (man the 90's were weird.) Regardless of who was chanting from where, it appears that the new age craze reached its apex with these albums in 1994 as we didn't see an influx of members of the clergy in the mainstream.

Peak position #3

#30 for 1994 (#10 cash box)

#152 for 1995

Well, this is a surprise, mainly because I wasn't expecting to see this album from Rod Stewart so low on the list comparative to where it places on all my other all-time album lists on this site. That said, it appears the albums success was largely sacrificed on Billboard in favour of the lead single being one of the biggest of all time in America.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Tonight's the night #1

Killing of Georgie #30

The first cut is the deepest #21

#29 for 1976 (#29 cash box)

#31 for 1977 (#35 cash box)

There's little surprise that this debut album from Rickie Lee Jones would be a shoe in for this list, in fact I'm more surprised it was an international hit for the folk singer given how many albums I've skipped over from the 70's that were inescapable on Billboard but were complete failures internationally. Her other international success was also as such in her homeland as is still to come on this list.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Chuck e's in love #4

#33 for 1979 (#17 cash box)

I would've thought this would be inescapable in America given how Billy's fellow Americans would have all the incentive in the world to discover the back catalogue they initially passed up on in the early to mid 70's. That wasn't the case, or at least not to the scale it was in Australia and NZ where this was way more popular for the American piano man.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

You're only human #9

#90 for 1985 (#24 cash box)

This list is really struggling for disco representation, isn't it? Here we are with ELO's foray into the genre which proved to be a huge success for them in America even if it wasn't on the same level of success it achieved internationally. Again, we have to keep in mind this is a British band finding success on the usually patriotic Billboard charts.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Shine a little love #8

Don't bring me down #4

Confusion #37

#74 for 1979 (#19 cash box)

This is the final studio album from Michael Bolton on this list, although we still have his greatest hits album from the mid 90's to get to, proving how well loved this guy was back in the day. Naturally the internet despises this guy (as well as so many bands and artists on this list) for reasons too convoluted for me to get into here.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Said I loved you but I lied #6 (#7 airplay)

#14 for 1993 (cash box)

#10 for 1994

I have a question for the person who wrote the famous A.V club article about inessential albums from the 90's, how does an album that lasted four weeks at number one on Billboard count as being inessential? I mean it's one thing that you didn't like it, it's the internet, you're entitled to your opinions. But to say this highly successful album was unloved by audiences? How is that the case?

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Take it back #73

#20 for 1994 (#17 cash box)

I still haven't seen Dick Tracy (I may have to pirate it at some point) however the fact that the film and its tie in soundtrack/concept album from its female lead Madonna was such a critical and commercial success should tell you how much of a phenomenon it was back in the day. Nowadays the album is only known for spawning "Vogue" as a single whilst the film is laughed at for its gangster cliches.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Vogue #1

Hanky panky #10

#42 for 1990 (#22 cash box)

If I included releases from the first half of the 70's, rest assured we would've James Taylor's breakthrough album Sweet baby James as well as a few of his other entries in the bonus section of this list. This is his only entry which was a bit of a comeback for him in his homeland as well as here in Australia given how he saw a massive stumble during the midpoint of the decade.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Handy man #4

#86 for 1977 (#18 cash box)

This came close to appearing on the UK list I did a while back; however, it was too minor a hit for me to consider it a candidate for that list. This wasn't the case for this list despite having the same peak position on the Billboard charts as it did in the UK as the album managed to stick around for quite some time through the strength of the singles.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Caribbean queen #1

Loverboy #2

Suddenly #4

#57 for 1984 (cash box)

#8 for 1985

I would say this is the final entry from Heart on this list, however we still have their 70's output to get to as that too managed to be a success for them on Billboard even if it was pitiful compared to what it achieved here in Australia. Indeed, the album might've been more popular in America overall, however the lead single sure wasn't as it was one of the biggest hits of the decade down under.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

All I wanna do is make love to you #2

#26 for 1990 (#17 cash box)

As this was a hair metal album from the mid to late 80's, it was a surefire success for Europe even if the title track wasn't their biggest hit on the Billboard charts. If you're wondering why "Carrie" isn't mentioned in the hit singles section, I only include stats for songs that chart in either Australia or NZ which it failed to do on both.

Peak position #8

Hit singles

The final countdown #8

Rock the night #30

#12 for 1987

I sort of jumped the gun when I said this was a huge failure for Billy Joel in America, it turns out it was a massive success for the piano man, just not to the ridiculous scale it was here in Australia back in the day. I was accurate about this being panned by critics at the time as many felt this was Billy selling out with the times, honestly that wouldn't happen until his next album from earlier on this list.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Modern woman #10

A matter of trust #10

#31 for 1986 (cash box)

#50 for 1987

This is the final entry from Hall and Oates on this list, it was a huge success in their homeland just like it was internationally thanks to there being plenty of curiosity for their back catalogue following the success of their other two entries on this list. They had one more album after this that was a candidate for this list before even their fellow Americans grew tired of their work.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Say it isn't so #2

#67 for 1983 (cash box)

#36 for 1984 (#28 cash box)

Again, I'm not sure why Tom Petty didn't have much of an audience here in Australia given how popular he was in NZ and his native America during the first stretch of the 80's. That said, his popularity in both countries took a nosedive after this album, likely due to him failing to adapt to the MTV era which was a trap most 70's bands and artists fell into.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

The waiting #19

#49 for 1981 (#20 cash box)

If you're wondering why it's taken me so long to feature 2pac's magnum opus on this list, that's because we skipped over his biggest success on Billboard which was the album he released before this. This was his final album he released in his lifetime given how he would be tragically murdered shortly after its release, he at least finished his next album which was released posthumously under an alter ego.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

California love #1

How do u want it #1

#12 for 1996

#85 for 1997

Of all the albums to make it on this list, I doubt many would've expected the debut from Shaun Cassidy given how we've established the American charts of the 70's being isolated from the rest of the world. As I said on my 1977 recap, Shaun Cassidy was one of the first international guest stars on Countdown, which means he had little issues with crossing over to our charts back in the day.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

That's rock and roll #3

Da doo ron ron #1

#73 for 1977 (#16 cash box)

#52 for 1978 (#58 cash box)

Is anyone else sick of Star Wars or is it just me? I feel like this is a franchise that's been milked into the ground since Disney got their hands on it in 2012 given how they've only released (in my opinion) two good films and two good seasons of TV since their acquisition (I'll let you figure out what they are.) Long ago in a..... well in America, the franchise began with a blockbuster of a film which had a highly successful soundtrack that eventually saw massive success worldwide.

Peak position #2

#64 for 1977 (#77 cash box)

If you're wondering why this breakthrough album from Celine Dion is so low on this list, that's because it didn't rebound on the Billboard charts following the surprise success of "Think twice" like it did internationally. This is because that song wasn't a hit on Billboard, meaning there was no incentive for Americans to reconsider their opinions they formed on the album.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

When I fall in love #23

The power of love #1 (#2 airplay)

Misled #23

Think twice #95

Only one road #93

#16 for 1994 (#46 cash box)

#116 for 1995

#197 for 1996

It's been a while since we looked a Bryan Adams on this list, here he is with his greatest hits album which curiously didn't get to number one on Billboard like it did everywhere else in the world. I'm not sure why as his singles were as popular in America as they were internationally, perhaps the backlash to his music had started long before the internet was a thing over there.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Please forgive me #7 (#3 airplay)

#17 for 1994 (#42 cash box)

Much like here in Australia, there was a push for Leann Rimes to release her early catalogue following the success of her top entry on this list. This means that the young country star was able to achieve massive success with the early demos and performances from her career in both countries much to the delight of her label.

Peak position #1x1

#21 for 1997

I get the feeling this album was a bit out of leftfield for Americans given how the rest of the world was blessed (or perhaps cursed given the song's reception) with the release of "Mull of kintyre" which to this day is one of the most successful of all time internationally. As such, this feels like it came out of nowhere in America where that song never saw the light of day.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

With a little luck #1

#56 for 1978 (#18 cash box)

This may be the most successful album from the Pretenders in America, but it was also their final successful album as the bands never recovered after this as far as the Americans were concerned. Interestingly enough, this was a dud in their native UK as well as only being a sleeper hit here in Australia, suggesting this was a career killer that they recovered from internationally with Get close.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Back on the chain gang #5

#30 for 1984 (#16 cash box)

Given how it was a massive critical and commercial success back in the day, the soundtrack to this biopic for Ritchie Valens was guaranteed to be a success throughout the world as people look to rediscover the folk singer's music. What's surprising however is the success that American band Los lobos achieved, specifically with the title track which was one of the biggest hits of the 80's worldwide.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Come on let's go #21

La bamba #1

#68 for 1987 (#11 cash box)

It's strange to think that it took a live album from George Benson to make him a star here in Australia, although at least this musician of colour managed to find success in the southern hemisphere as opposed to many others that each failed to appear on this list (particularly from the 70's.) Another interesting fact is that his popularity would grow internationally just as it was beginning to shrink on Billboard.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

On Broadway #7

#26 for 1978 (#27 cash box)

This is the final entry from Linda Ronstadt on this list, although she does have several other candidates that I won't be covering on here due to their failure to connect with anyone other than her fellow Americans (look for them in my bonus list.) We're not even halfway through this list and we've already covered all the major releases from Linda, this should be an inditement to how inescapable she was.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Living in the USA #16

Just one look #44

#31 for 1978 (cash box)

#41 for 1979 (#61 cash box)

Although it was the first album of theirs to find success on Billboard (that would be their 1975 effort Face the music) this was the album that made ELO a household name in America due to how long it lasted on the Billboard charts. Even so, it's success over there and in their homeland is pitiful compared to what it achieved here in Australia, it was easily in the top ten most successful albums of the 70's here.

 

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Living thing #13

Telephone line #7

#63 for 1976 (cash box)

#6 for 1977 (#21 cash box)

The success Tom Petty had in his homeland is almost identical to what he achieved over in NZ it seems, sure he may have had the occasional buzz here in Australia; however that's nothing compared to what he achieved with the kiwis and his fellow Americans. The proof is that his greatest hits album was a success in those countries but not in ours.

Peak position #2

#14 for 1994 (#22 cash box)

#93 for 1995

#167 for 1996

Admittedly I'm not sure how we Aussies came across this album from Bruce Springsteen given how you'd think Countdown would've shut this out of our charts, it appears there were cracks in the system the show had in place as Bruce was able to find an audience among us Aussies just like he did with his fellow Americans during the midpoint of the 70's.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Born to run #23

#31 for 1975 (cash box)

If you're wondering how this managed to appear on this list, I used RIANZ's official year end charts to fill up those lists on the NZ side of my site much like I did for the Australian side. This managed to squeeze onto their 1980 list, which means I can feature this solo breakthrough from the Who front man Pete Townshend on this list who found success in America with this gem.

Peak position #5

#60 for 1980 (#23 cash box)

Well, she may have failed to appear on the UK list barring her 1994 greatest hits album, however at least Cyndi Lauper had better luck in her homeland given how well her second album did on Billboard. That said, she seems like another candidate for an international artist who found more success here in Australia than she did anywhere else given how much better this did on my Australian ranking.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

True colors #1

Change of heart #3

What's going on #12

#36 for 1986 (cash box)

#39 for 1987

It's a bit odd to see this album lower on this list considering how well it did here in Australia, then again it might be more the fact that we Aussies were making up for leaving this guy back in 1984 barring his Batman soundtrack seeing as though he hadn't had much success outside of the Tim Burton flick on our charts in the seven years between these two albums.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Gett off #21

Cream #1 (#5 airplay)

Diamonds and pearls #3 (#2 airplay)

Money don't matter 2 night #23

#30 for 1991 (cash box)

#31 for 1992 (#12 cash box)

Oh boy is this album too low on the list compared to my other all-time albums lists on this site, at least we've featured all three of R.E.M's big hitters of the 90's before the halfway mark of this list even though their popularity back in the day was centred around the Brits love for their music. You may have noticed that apart from their top entry, none of their albums spawned them any hits on Billboard.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Drive #28

Man on the moon #30

Everybody hurts #29

#83 for 1992

#27 for 1993 (#23 cash box)

This is another album I included on my 1999 list for the sake of filling it up with 100 entries, as such I'm not actually sure if this was a huge success here in Australia given how unreliable the ARIA charts were in the late 90's and that the AMR charts ceased before this was released here. What I do know is that it's by far the most successful album from Everlast in his homeland both solo and with House of pain.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

What it's like #13 (#5 airplay)

#24 for 1999

I think I understand now why RHCP loved Australia and NZ so much as they seemed to be more popular in the southern hemisphere than they were in their homeland. Although this comeback album of theirs did far better on Billboard than it did in the UK, it's still pitiful compared to what it achieved in both countries here right before the turn of the millennium.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Scar tissue #9 (#8 airplay)

Otherside #14

Californication #69

#36 for 1999

#24 for 2000

#180 for 2001

Whereas this was only a moderate success here in Australia due to Countdown prioritising local talent over international artists, this was a massive success in America where no such attention to fresher talent was prioritised. That said, this is still a bit of a disappointment compared to the trio's earlier work with Neil Young as that remains one of the most successful albums of all time worldwide.

Peak position #2

#83 for 1977 (#15 cash box)

I would say it's a bit odd that this album wasn't as successful in America for Kenny Rogers as it was in Australia and NZ, but then I remember that the lead single refused to die on either of our charts which wasn't the case on Billboard as it dropped off the charts by the end of 1983 as opposed to sticking around long into 1984 in the southern hemisphere.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Islands in the stream #1

This woman #23

#30 for 1983 (cash box)

#44 for 1984 (#68 cash box)

I guess John Denver's fellow Americans weren't as impressed with this evening with him as the rest of the world was given how much lower it appears on this list compared to where it appeared in my Australian, NZ and UK rankings. At least it was a huge success for him on Billboard even if it didn't stick around as long as it did internationally.

Peak position #2

#7 for 1975 (#11 cash box)

If this was a rush release from Bush following the success of their earlier entry, the Americans didn't seem to care as it was a genuine hit for them on Billboard as opposed to it being a modest success at best here in Australia. That said, we once again have a rock album without any physical singles in America on this list, imagine how much bigger it could've been had that not been the case.

Peak position #1x2

#11 for 1997

OK it was one thing that the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack didn't release songs as singles in America, but the Men in black soundtrack? I'll never understand the mindset these labels had in the 90's as it really does make it hard to understand what was popular in America back in the day. At least the soundtrack was a huge hit, thought likely it was due to the film being a critical and commercial success.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Men in black #1 (airplay)

#19 for 1997

#80 for 1998

Given how he had died two years prior to its release, it makes sense that 2pac's label would release a greatest hits album to look over what the late rapper achieved in his short time on this earth. If it had of stopped here, then I'm sure his legacy would be secured. However, it didn't which resulted in it being mired with artistic grave robbery.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Changes #32

#16 for 1999